I walk forest roads in, usually a couple miles, then bushwack usually another half mile, I hunt thick nasty country, briars and beech whips and stuff, I cant stand a pack that is wider than me catching and slapping on brush, the 28 is not going to do that, I have been out west a couple times, Montana and Idaho, the country I hunted in out there a wide pack would have worked fine, Im sure every place is different but that was my experience, the big draw of the 28 for me was the dump pouch and ability to haul most anything if the need arises.